Page 124 - Preservation for the Documentation of Chinese Christianity

3. HKCC 1993-94

General Secretary’s Report
September 1993 - August 1994

Rev. Tso Man King

Forward anew. Fortunately, Hong Kong people are
accustomed to these arguments and the political
It has been 40 years since the founding of the Hong uncertainty has not created too large a disaster.
Kong Christian Council in 1954. During the past The property value in housing is still going up and
40 years, the Council has always been blessed by the Hong Kong Government has to develop a new
God, whether it was in good times or bad times. policy to regulate and stabilize the price of housing.
During good times, the Council was like a boat The Governor's political reform bill was finally
sailing along with the wind with high efficiency passed in the Legislative Council; however, whether
and many accomplishments. Even during rough the present political system can move beyond 1997
times, it was a time for God to train us to be more has been challenged by the China Government.
patient, to be more tolerant, to learn to relate to
each other with love and to develop the spirit of As we are facing political uncertainty in the future,
church unity through better communication and the Council is making every effort for
greater consensus. Therefore, as we are celebrating breakthrough. For instance, as part of the 40th
our 40th anniversary, it is time for us to thank God, anniversary activities, the "Friends of the Council"
for God has revealed His strength especially in our campaign was launched, bringing the ideals and
weakness. operation of the Council to the grassroots people to
reach a greater consensus among the church people
There have been many disasters in many parts of in Hong Kong. In addition to the Self-Reliance
the world during the past year, but nowhere else is Development Committee, the Property
more disastrous than in Rwanda. More than half a Development Committee was organized focusing on
million innocent people were massacred and about the redevelopment of our Kwun Tong property. In
three million people have become refugees in the our preliminary plan, we will rebuild the Kwun
neighboring countries. No wonder some people Tong Vocational Training Centre to increase the
said, "All the devils have gone to Rwanda". As for actual space for the Hong Kong Christian Service
the flood in South China, it was even more serious and to strengthen and consolidate our Council's
than the flood in Eastern China over two years ago. financial status for future program development.
The Council has been constructively involved in
responding to these two major disasters as well as It is also important to mention that the Doctor of
many others through the "Five Loaves and Two Ministiy Degree Program jointly sponsored by the
Fish" Campaign. On behalf of the Council, we Hong Kong Christian Council and the Lutheran
want to express our thanks to all the churches, .Theological Seminary will finally start in
organizations, schools and individuals who have September 1994. There are 11 students in this
given generous donations and support. These have D.Min program, two of whom are from China.
been a blessing to the suffering and needy all This program not only provides opportunity for
around the world. ministers and church workers for their continuing
education, but also promotes a high quality of
Hong Kong has experienced a lot of political ecumenical understanding and commitment among
turbulence during the past year. The Si no-British clerics as a way to address the serious "brain drain"
talks broke down and China has had to create a problem created by the 1997 phenomenon. In
Preparatory Working Committee to start them actuality, the Council's concerns go beyond the

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